Created out of love and passion, a million lives exploded as we swam for our only shelter only my life began while others died hopeless, I felt the golpes inside my mothers womb while darkness filled our sky only the moon and stars shined, I was molded out of mud my skin touched by lord up above, 10/01 the empty scales swung show nothing but love to those arms that were opened up,A new day shines new births arise others die from sinners to repent born Mexican by fortune not by choice as I flex for my jente listen I speak their voice, Built into militant ethos fighting against those who detest this,haters hold their distance cause theirs a difference between envy punk b#@*hes and the exquisite which you cant stop cause I’m persistent,” Yo soy ese compa que no dejas entrar porque no tengo zapatos ni ropa porque soy pobre no te importa” obstacles in my path i wreck’m check’m off my hit list that’s how powerful our fist is. You can see Julio Guerrero’s new arte at “Desmadre: Fresh Latino Perspectives” May 14th at Vermillion Gallery Seattle.

Where are you from? What is your heritage?

I represent Sunnyside, WA, my childhood home. I was born in Tacoaleche, Zac MEX where my heart is. All I know is that I come from a long line of Indios.

What is the medium that you most commonly work in?

I love to work with a mix media such mediums like graphite, spray cans, acrylic, watercolors, scratchboard, ink, and everything I can get my hands on. I’m fascinated by the interaction of different subjects and the end result it creates.

What tends to inspire you and your work?

I get inspired by other artists whether they be photographers, painters, musicians, or poets. Mi cultura and people I love inspire me all the time.

If it was not for art I would be………..?

If it was not for art I would be wasting my soul and living an unsatisfying life. I can’t imagine my life w/out being creative.

Do you have any artistic relatives? if so what do they do?

Hmm…artistic relatives yes, my grandparents! My grandmother would crochet beautiful pieces of art and my grandpa played the guitarilla. One of my uncles is an artist in Mexico and he does a lot of traditional work.

Is music part of your creative process? What do you listen to most?

Music is definitely part of my creative process at times. I really enjoy listening to a lot of instrumental beats this way I get lost in my own thinking process instead of being influenced. Music that fuels me up before I start something new is people like Jimi Hendrix, Los Lobos, Santana, Tupac Shakur, and Chicano rappers like old school Kid Frost. Y los corridos no se quedan atras mi compa!

What food most reminds you of home?

. A friend of mine said once “I don’t get mad when I get called a beaner it only makes me hungry”. Sopes is my favorite Mexican dish it’s a gordita style thickened tortilla that is filled up with beans in the inside then deep fried. The condiments that go with it make it even more delicious, you top it off with a spicy homemade chile verde, queso fresco, onion, cilantro, and a hint of lemon. This does the trick every time I want to think of home.

When you are with family do speak mostly in english or espanol?

When I’m at home I speak a lot of Spanish with my folks sometimes English very rare just because they don’t fully understand it. Spanglish with my brother, sisters and definitely with my nephews.

What do you think could help raise the profile of young Latino artists here in America?

. I think the way for raising the profile on young Latino artists in America is by supporting the Causa and each other by unifying a central base for artists. By networking with one another and pulling in our resources together in order to achieve exposure as a whole and ultimately creating a voice. Which in sense is the same purpose were striving as individuals, wanting to achieve our own personal goals and that is to express ourselves and our experiences freely.

Is there a connection between Latino artists here in the US and those throughout the hemisphere?

I definetly agree that theres a strong connection with Latino artists throughout the world and that is being just that (Latino) we all share core values and struggles y un Corazon bien grande.

I just first learned of your art by stopping in at Guerra’s coffee shop in Sunnyside. My sons were amazed at the creativity and ingenuity you possess. Most impressed with your Carlos Santana…bad ass! You make me proud to be chicana!

Julio your work is so amazing.. It was nice 2 see u at your show a while back…. its nice to know that there are people out there repping our hometown with positive stuff….. i cant wait to see more of your work…. much love!